Bites Nearby: Bonfire Grill

The Bites Nearby column wants to have it all, whether it’s pleasant ambiance with delicious food or an extensive wine list with a take-out menu.

With that philosophy in mind, the column takes a look at where a patron can enjoy a cold beer, a quality hamburger and a sports contest on television, while a few feet away, two diners can sip wine, eat a high-brow entrée and have an intimate conversation.

Especially now that it has seasonal, open-air dining on one side, Bonfire strikes a balance between casual and upscale, bar and eatery, private and public. It’s also a frequent catering spot, so it can do anything from a cocktail party to a brunch.

First, the entrees, which lean toward fine dining.

One popular dish is the Steak Frites ($20), sliced marinated steak with pinot noir steak sauce, served with a side of greens and crisp French fries. (Add shrimp skewers for $5.) Another option is the Pan-Seared Diver Scallops and Jumbo Shrimp ($24), which mixes jumbo shrimp with scallops drizzled with a roasted red pepper beurre blanc, served with sautéed spinach and garnished with crispy potato sticks.

The Dijon Crusted Salmon ($20) features pan-seared salmon fillet, topped with Dijon mustard and crunchy panko crumbs, napped with a white wine sauce and served over wild rice. The Grilled Duck Breast ($23) has grilled marinated duck breast topped with a honey plum glaze and served with mashed potatoes. The other fancy-style dishes are the Filet Mignon ($25), Stuffed Breast of Chicken Au Jus ($19), Wild Mushroom Ravioli ($17), Shrimp Pomodoro ($18) and Penne ala Vodka ($16).

For those in mood for less formal eating, Bonfire has an extensive “Pub Grub” menu. Buffalo Wings are $10. Quesadillas cost $11. Bacon Cheese Fries are served for $8. Then there are the Buffalo Style Chicken Fingers ($10), Nachos Grande ($9) and Maryland Spiced Crab Cakes ($12). On the lighter side, the Bonfire Delight ($10) includes fresh chickpea hummus, guacamole and Tzatziki sauce, served with warm pita bread.

Hamburgers run from steak to turkey to beef and come with every imaginable cheese or side dish, but they always cost $12.

The sandwich options include sliced steak ($13), grilled chicken breast ($12), Mediterranean grilled chicken in a pita ($12) and Texan BBQ chicken ($12).

Bonfire also has a green side. The Uptown Salad ($13) combines mixed greens, avocado slices, mandarin oranges, tomatoes, cucumbers and crispy julienne tortillas tossed in a light citrus dressing. Other options are the Sesame Ginger Salmon Cake ($14), the Thai Chicken Salad ($13), the Goat Cheese & Spinach Salad ($13), the Mediterranean Chicken Salad ($13) and the Cobb Salad ($13), grilled chicken, romaine, bacon, boiled egg, bleu cheese, tomato & avocado, tossed in a ranch dressing.

Alcohol is another aspect of Bonfire, which stocks 30 different wines. There is a Specialty Martini & Cocktail menu, as well as an assortment of scotch, bourbon and beer on tap. During the daily Happy Hour (Monday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), pints and bottles of beer are $4, while martinis, cocktails and glasses of wine cost $5.

Address: 72-27 Austin Street near intersection with 72^nd Road.

Phone: 718.268.0707.

Hours: Noon to 11 p.m. on regular work nights; noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

Prices: Mentioned in article.

Special: Patrons get a free Blood Mary or Mimosa with each entrée during brunch on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.